What is the SACNAS conference?
Each fall FOCUS sends interested students to the SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference, a whirlwind weekend of inspiring and engaging programing for current under-grads, graduate students, and professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science) started in 1973 with the conference soon following with the hope promoting all types of diversity in all fields of STEM. SACNAS celebrates this STEM diversity by combining cutting-edge science with training, mentoring, and cultural activities to provide a powerful and unforgettable professional experience.
This year eleven FOCUS members and FOCUS coordinator David Higgs ‘18 attended the SACNAS conference, in warm San Antonio, TX. Through the North Star STEM Alliance, funded by the NSF’s Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) grant program, and with funding from the College, all Carleton and FOCUS students were fully funded for travel and conference fees. Check out how this event impacted FOCUS members:
Nick G-A ‘19, Geology
“This was my second time going to the SACNAS conference, and every year I’m amazed by how supportive and amazing the people are at SACNAS. They’re so motivating, and they made me feel more confident about getting a job after Carleton and maybe even going to graduate school some day. “
Sandra T ‘19, Psychology
“My favorite event was going to the interview practice session for graduate schools and when the event was over the professor at our table stayed for a whole extra hour to talk to us about questions to ask in the interview. We talked about the replication issue in science and what to do if you are place under a mentor who is practicing methods that can give bias results.”
Maya C ‘20, Chemistry
“My favorite aspect of the conference is getting to see people from similar backgrounds to mine doing meaningful work within their communities. This year an Inupiaq woman spoke about research she was doing on the fish people in her town consume and how this research can be used to provide insight into the health problems they often face. There is ample opportunity to meet with other like-minded students and network with research and graduate school organizers and this is an invaluable opportunity for any student majoring in a STEM field. I would strongly encourage any student to go if they have the opportunity to do so.”